Mobile ultraviolet sterilization systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Sterilization units and systems and related assemblies, devices, and methods are disclosed. The sterilization units may be mobile and used in a variety of locations. The sterilization units and systems use germicidal ultraviolet-C light to kill or render non-viable bacteria and viruses. The various sterilization units and systems disclosed herein may have improved ultraviolet light distribution and/or improved ability to direct and focus the ultraviolet light in a desired area. The sterilization units and systems may optionally be made of non-magnetic materials such that the sterilization units and systems may be used in the vicinity of MRI equipment without causing complications or damage to the MRI equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/049,903, filed Sep. 12, 2014, which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety into this application.

BACKGROUND

Sterilization is an ongoing concern in hospitals, medical offices,businesses, homes, restaurants, vehicles (e.g., food transportationvehicles), and other areas. Many diseases and infections areunnecessarily spread from host to host as people or animals come intocontact with unsterilized items. Effective and efficient sterilizationsystems, devices, and methods can have a significant impact inpreventing the spread of infections and disease.

Improved awareness and efforts to sterilize in hospitals and medicaloffices has helped prevent the spread of certain diseases andinfections; however, otherwise preventable infections and diseases arestill spread in hospitals around the world every day. For example, theUnited States Center for Disease Control has estimated that there wereapproximately 722,000 hospital-associated infections in United Statesacute care hospitals in 2011. The Center for Disease Control alsoestimates that about 75,000 hospital patients with hospital-associatedinfections died during their hospitalizations in 2011. Dealing withinfections contracted in hospitals, including the associated care andpotential liability issues, is a significant burden and cost tohospitals and medical practitioners. There is an ongoing need to findbetter ways to sterilize equipment, furniture, etc. in hospitals andother places to prevent the spread of disease and infections.

One challenge faced in hospitals is the difficulty of sterilizing largeequipment, e.g., hospital gurneys, beds, wheelchairs, medical carts,waiting room furniture, tables, chairs, other furniture, etc. Oftenthese larger items must be cleaned and disinfected by hand usingcleaners, but this is not always effectively or timely done. There is aneed for improved methods of sterilization of larger equipment that iseasier and more effective.

Another challenge is that while some sterilization techniques andcleaners are effective at killing certain microorganism, e.g., certainbacteria, the sterilization techniques may not be effective at killingother microorganisms, e.g., viruses. There is a need for a sterilizationtechnique that effectively and efficiently kills or renders non-viableall potentially harmful microorganisms or pathogens, including viruses.

Also, there is a rising concern in the medical community concerningtreatment and sterilization techniques that lead to drug orantibiotic-resistant bacteria or microorganisms. Accordingly, the use ofantibacterial soap, for example, is falling out of favor among manypeople due to fears that it is contributing to the increase inantibiotic-resistant bacteria. A sterilization device and technique thateffectively kills or renders non-viable all the microorganisms orpathogens in a treatment area can help prevent the formation ofantibacterial-resistant microorganisms. Further, an effectivesterilization device and technique desirably will kill or rendernon-viable even antibacterial-resistant microorganisms, therebypreventing infection of a host by an antibacterial-resistantmicroorganism that might be more difficult to kill if allowed to infecta host.

Ultraviolet-A (“UV-A”), ultraviolet-B (“UV-B”), and ultraviolet-C(“UV-C”) are part of the ultraviolet spectrum and most people areexposed to some of each type of UV light every day. UV-A is also knownas “blacklight” and is generally harmless. UV-B has a high penetratingability and prolonged exposure can result in skin cancer, skin aging,and cataracts. UV-C, also known as Germicidal irradiation, Germicidal UVor UVGI has strong penetrating ability and effectively kills or rendersnon-viable microorganisms including bacteria and viruses. UV-C light canbe harmful to humans, but is often absorbed by the outer, dead layer ofskin where harm may be limited.

UV-C light is desirable to use as a means of sterilizing variousitems/objects (e.g., equipment, instruments, furniture, rooms, etc.)because it is so effective at killing microorganisms, including bacteriaand viruses. UV-C light is also desirable because it does not involvethe use of toxic chemicals that might cause their own harm if used. UV-Clight is simple and cost effective to use without causing pollution orrequiring the use of toxic chemicals. Accordingly, UV-C sterilizationunits can be very effective for sterilization while minimizing harm tothe environment or humans. Generally, when the terms “UV” or“ultraviolet” are used herein (unless further specified), these termsrefer to germicidal UV-C light.

Various ultraviolet sterilization systems, devices/apparatuses, methods,etc. that provide for more effective sterilization in an easier andmore-cost effective manner to address the needs and issues discussedabove and other needs are described herein.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are novel apparatuses, systems, methods, etc. forsterilization using ultraviolet light.

In one embodiment, a sterilization chamber comprises walls enclosing asterilization area, and one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached toone or more of the walls inside the sterilization area, wherein the oneor more ultraviolet light bulbs are capable of irradiating germicidalultraviolet light at sufficient levels to kill or render non-viablemicroorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light. The one or moreultraviolet light bulbs may be attached to the one or more of the wallsthrough light fixtures mounted directly to the one or more of the walls.The sterilization chamber may also include a corrugated reflectivematerial that lines an inside surface of the walls, and/or a controlunit including controls to operate the one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs. The lining of corrugated reflective material may be configured toreflect the UV light in the chamber in many different directions to helpspread the light on every surface of an object being sterilized in thesterilization area. The lining of corrugated reflective material may beconfigured to reflect the UV light in the chamber in such a way that theobject being sterilized in the sterilization area can be 100% sterilizedor nearly 100% sterilized during a single sterilization procedure.

The walls of the sterilization chamber may be built onto a sturdy frame.One of the walls may be a door that can open or close to allow an objectto be sterilized to enter the sterilization area, and a side of the doorfacing the interior of the sterilization chamber when the door is closedmay include one or more than one of the one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs attached to the side of the door facing the interior of thesterilization chamber. One of the walls, including the door, may includea window capable of blocking all or more than 90% of the UV-radiationfrom the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs while allowing a person toview the sterilization area during use, or one of the walls may includea window capable of blocking 98% or more of the UV-radiation from theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs while allowing a person to view thesterilization area during use. The window may include a small shutter ordoor that can close over the window. The walls may be constructed ofmultiple layers. The walls may be constructed of an outer wall layerthat forms an outside surface of the sterilization chamber, and an innerwall layer including an opening through which the one or moreultraviolet light bulbs extend. The inner wall layer may be positionedsuch that the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs extend further intothe sterilization area than the inner wall layer, but any cords and amajority of any light fixture are between the inner wall layer and theouter wall layer. The corrugated reflective material may be integralwith the inner wall layer, or the corrugated reflective material may beseparate from the inner wall layer and lines the inner wall layer. Afloor of the sterilization chamber may be made of a smooth reflectivematerial. A ceiling of the sterilization chamber may be made of a smoothreflective material and may include one or more ultraviolet light bulbsin a similar configuration to that of the walls.

An ultraviolet-transparent protective material may be installed over theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs in the sterilization chamber, theprotective material configured to prevent damage to the one or moreultraviolet light bulbs. The ultraviolet-transparent protective materialmay be placed as an additional inner wall layer and entirely cover oneor more of the walls inside the sterilization area. Theultraviolet-transparent protective material may be placed as casingsized to fit around only one of the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs,i.e., configured/sized to protect and fit around the light bulb and/orlight fixture without extending to cover the full wall. Theultraviolet-transparent protective material may be installed over theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs installed on the floor, theprotective material extending over the entire surface of the floor andconfigured to prevent damage to the one or more ultraviolet light bulbsinstalled on the floor and support the weight of objects placed in thesterilization area for sterilization.

The one or more ultraviolet light bulbs of the sterilization chamber maybe adjustable in the sterilization chamber, such that a user may adjustthe position of the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs into a desiredposition. The power level of the ultraviolet light radiating from theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs into the sterilization area may beadjustable. Multiple ultraviolet light bulbs may be attached to one ormore of the walls inside the sterilization area, and the power level ofthe ultraviolet light radiating from the multiple ultraviolet lightbulbs into the sterilization area may be adjustable by turning ondifferent numbers of the multiple light bulbs (e.g., while leaving somelights off).

The control unit of the sterilization chamber may include a processor,memory, and software, wherein the software allows the user to selectpre-programmed sterilization programs for different types of equipmentto be sterilized. The control unit may include a processor, memory, andsoftware, wherein the software allows the user to select/adjust a powerlevel of ultraviolet radiation in the sterilization area and adjust atime for sterilization.

In one embodiment, a method of sterilization comprises placing one ormore items to be sterilized inside an interior of a sterilizationchamber. The sterilization chamber may comprise of the featuresdiscussed above and/or relevant features discussed below, includingwalls enclosing a sterilization area, one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs attached to one or more of the walls inside the sterilizationarea, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs are capable ofirradiating germicidal ultraviolet light at sufficient levels to kill orrender non-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light, and acorrugated reflective material that lines an inside surface of thewalls. The method may also include sterilizing the one or more items byturning on the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs inside thesterilization chamber and leaving them on for an amount of timesufficient to kill or render non-viable 100% or nearly 100% of themicroorganisms on the one or more items, wherein ultraviolet light fromthe one or more ultraviolet light bulbs is reflected in many differentdirections by the corrugated reflective material such that non-uniformsurfaces of the one or more items are exposed to the ultraviolet light.If the position of the ultraviolet light bulbs in the sterilizationchamber is adjustable, the method may further comprise moving theultraviolet light bulbs in the sterilization chamber to a desiredlocation for sterilization.

In one embodiment, a portable sterilization apparatus, comprises a lighthood shade and one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to the lighthood shade, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs are capableof irradiating germicidal ultraviolet light at sufficient levels to killor render non-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light.The sterilization apparatus may include an angle adjustment capable ofadjusting the angle of the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs relativeto the ground, and/or controls to operate the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs. The sterilization apparatus may also include wheelsattached to a base. The base may include a reflective panel to reflectultraviolet light from the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs onto anunderside of an object to be sterilized. The sterilization apparatus mayinclude a height adjustment slide, wherein the height adjustment slidemay be used to further adjust the angle of the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs relative to the ground and raise at least a portion of theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs higher from the ground.

The sterilization apparatus may include a first movable extensionportion attached to a side of the light hood shade. The extensionportion may be attached by a hinge or hinges to the side of the lighthood shade. The sterilization apparatus may include a second movableextension portion attached to a different side of the light hood shade.The first and second extension portions can fold back at least partiallybehind the light hood shade to expose a greater area to ultravioletlight emitted from the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs or to folddown around the sides of the light hood shade such that they project atleast partially forward of the light hood shade.

In one embodiment, a method of sterilization comprises moving asterilization device adjacent to an object to be sterilized. Thesterilization device may comprise any features of the sterilizationapparatus discussed above and/or relevant features discussed below,including a light hood shade; one or more ultraviolet light bulbsattached to the light hood shade, wherein the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs are capable of irradiating germicidal ultraviolet light atsufficient levels to kill or render non-viable microorganisms exposed tothe ultraviolet light; and/or an angle adjustment capable of adjustingthe angle of the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs relative to theground. The method may further comprise adjusting the angle of the oneor more ultraviolet light bulbs relative to the ground such that whenturned on, the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs will radiate amajority of the ultraviolet light emitted from the one or moreultraviolet light bulbs on the object to be sterilized. The method mayfurther comprise sterilizing the object to be sterilized by turning onthe one or more ultraviolet light bulbs and letting ultraviolet lightradiate on the object to be sterilized. The sterilization device mayinclude movable extension portions attached to sides of the light hoodshade, and the method may further comprise moving the extension portionsto a position forward of the light hood shade such that, when the one ormore ultraviolet light bulbs are turned on, the extension portions willblock at least some ultraviolet light from the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs from radiating to the sides of the unit and focus the atleast some ultraviolet light on the object to be sterilized. The basemay include a reflective panel to reflect ultraviolet light from the oneor more ultraviolet light bulbs onto an underside of the object to besterilized, and moving the sterilization device adjacent to the objectto be sterilized may include moving at least a portion of the baseunderneath the object to be sterilized.

In one embodiment, a sterilization apparatus, comprises a base; acentral tower portion attached to the base, wherein the central towerportion has multiple sides of equal size, wherein each of the multiplesides is constructed of a reflective material; and multiple ultravioletlight bulbs, each of the multiple ultraviolet light bulbs attached to adifferent one of the multiple sides, wherein the multiple ultravioletlight bulbs are capable of irradiating germicidal ultraviolet light atsufficient levels to kill or render non-viable microorganisms exposed tothe ultraviolet light. The sterilization apparatus may also include acontrol unit to operate the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs. Each ofthe base, the central tower portion, and the multiple ultraviolet lightbulbs may be constructed only of materials that are non-magnetic. Thecentral tower portion may include a hinge along first side and alatching mechanism on an opposite, second side, such that the centraltower portion may be opened to service an interior of the central towerportion. The base may include wheels on which the sterilizationapparatus may be rolled to multiple locations.

In one embodiment, a method of sterilization comprises moving asterilization device into a room to be sterilized. The sterilizationdevice may comprise any features of the sterilization apparatusdiscussed above and/or relevant features discussed below, including abase; a central tower portion attached to the base, wherein the centraltower portion has multiple sides of equal size, wherein each of themultiple sides is constructed of a reflective material; and multipleultraviolet light bulbs, each of the multiple ultraviolet light bulbsattached to a different one of the multiple sides, wherein the multipleultraviolet light bulbs are capable of irradiating germicidalultraviolet light at sufficient levels to kill or render non-viablemicroorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light. The method may furthercomprise sterilizing the room to be sterilized by turning on the one ormore ultraviolet light bulbs and letting ultraviolet light radiatethroughout the room to be sterilized. The sterilizing step may be donefor an amount of time sufficient to kill or render non-viable anymicroorganisms on the item/object.

In one embodiment a sterilization apparatus, comprises a central portionhaving wheels attached to a floor-facing side of the central portion;and one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to the floor-facingside of the central portion, wherein the one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs are capable of irradiating germicidal ultraviolet light downwardfrom the central portion toward the floor at sufficient levels to killor render non-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light.The wheels may be attached to extensions or legs extending from thefloor-facing side of the central portion. The extensions or legs may beadjustable to raise or lower the wheels relative to the central portion.The central portion may further comprise an attachment point to which aline may be attached to pull the sterilization apparatus across a floorto be sterilized.

The central portion may further comprise one or more wing portionsattached to the central portion, the one or more wing portions includingone or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to the one or more wingportions. The one or more wing portions may be attached to side edges ofthe central portion and may be able to articulate with respect to thecentral portion through a range of positions. The one or more wingportions may be locked in various positions of the range of positions.

In one embodiment, a method of sterilization comprises positioning asterilization apparatus in a first region of a floor to be sterilized.The sterilization apparatus may comprise any features of thesterilization apparatus discussed above or relevant features discussedbelow, including a central portion having wheels attached to afloor-facing side of the central portion; and one or more ultravioletlight bulbs attached to the floor-facing side of the central portion,wherein the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs are capable ofirradiating germicidal ultraviolet light downward from the centralportion toward the floor at sufficient levels to kill or rendernon-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light. The methodmay further comprise activating the one or more ultraviolet light bulbsto irradiate the germicidal ultraviolet light on the region of the floorto be sterilized. The method may further comprise moving thesterilization apparatus over the floor to a second region of the floorto expose the second region of the floor to the germicidal ultravioletlight. The step of moving the sterilization apparatus over the floor maybe achieved by pulling a line attached to the sterilization apparatus,and/or by using a motor to move one or more of the wheels in thedirection of the second region.

If the sterilization apparatus comprises one or more wing portionsattached to the central portion, and the one or more wing portionsinclude one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to the one or morewing portions, the method may include adjusting the one or more wingportions to a desired angle relative to the central portion prior tomoving the sterilization apparatus over the floor. Optionally, the oneor more wing portions may be adjusted to a desired angle relative to thecentral portion while moving the sterilization apparatus over the floor,especially where the one or more wing portions are automated so they maybe moved by controls from a distance. Various floors or ground area maybe sterilized with this method, including the floor of a foodtransportation trailer, the floor of a hospital or medical facility, thefloor of a restaurant, etc.

In one embodiment, a sterilization apparatus, comprising a centralportion having wheels attached to a side of the central portion; and oneor more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to a central portion (e.g., toan upper side of a central portion), wherein the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs are capable of irradiating germicidal ultraviolet lightupward from the central portion toward the underside of an item orobject at sufficient levels to kill or render non-viable microorganismsexposed to the ultraviolet light. The sterilization apparatus may havewheels, attached to extensions extending from the side of the centralportion, that are adjustable to raise or lower the wheels relative tothe central portion. The central portion of the sterilization apparatusmay further include an attachment point to which a handle may beattached to maneuver the sterilization apparatus underneath an item orobject to be sterilized. The handle may be attached to the centralportion by an articulated joint so that the handle may move through arange of positions with respect to the central portion. The wheels maybe able to extend or telescope such that the wheels can be changedbetween configurations in which the wheels are closer together andconfigurations in which the wheels are further apart, e.g., the axle maybe able to telescope to extend and/or retract.

In one embodiment, a method of sterilization comprises positioning asterilization apparatus in a first region to be sterilized, thesterilization apparatus may include any features of the sterilizationapparatus discussed above or relevant features discussed below,including: a central portion having wheels attached to a side of thecentral portion; and one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to thecentral portion (e.g., to an upper-side of the central portion), whereinthe one or more ultraviolet light bulbs are capable of irradiatinggermicidal ultraviolet light upward from the central portion toward theunderside of an item or object at sufficient levels to kill or rendernon-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light. The methodmay further comprise activating one or more ultraviolet light bulbs toirradiate the germicidal ultraviolet light on the region of the area tobe sterilized; moving the sterilization apparatus to a second region toexpose the second region of the underside of an item or object to thegermicidal ultraviolet light. Moving the sterilization apparatus overfrom one region to another is done by pushing or pulling the handleattached to the sterilization apparatus. The area to be sterilized mayinclude the underside of a chair or cabinet. The method may includeadjusting the distanced between the wheels to fit under different sizedobjects or areas to be sterilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed devices/apparatuses, systems and methods can be betterunderstood with reference to the following drawings. The components inthe drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 shows an external view of an exemplary UV sterilization chamber.

FIG. 2 shows an external view of the exemplary UV sterilization chamberof FIG. 1 with the door open to reveal the interior of the exemplary UVsterilization chamber of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an internal view of another exemplary UV sterilizationchamber inside which equipment may be loaded for sterilization.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an exemplary adjustable-angle,directed-light UV sterilization unit, with a high angle.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the exemplary adjustable-angle,directed-light UV sterilization unit of FIG. 4 with a lower angle thanthat shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows another view of the exemplary adjustable-angle,directed-light UV sterilization unit of FIG. 4 with an elevated lowangle.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the upper portion of the exemplaryadjustable-angle, directed-light UV sterilization unit of FIG. 4 and anexemplary control dial.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of an exemplary upright tower UV sterilizationunit and associated control unit.

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of an exemplary upright tower UV sterilizationunit with exemplary wheels and handle configuration.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of an exemplary upright tower UVsterilization unit with another configuration of exemplary wheels andhandle.

FIG. 11 shows an end view of an exemplary floor-treating, UVsterilization unit.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of an exemplary floor-treating, UVsterilization unit of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the exemplary floor-treating UV,sterilization unit of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of an exemplary floor-treating UV,sterilization unit of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14a shows a side view of an exemplary control bar or guide that maybe used with the floor-treating UV, sterilization unit of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary under-side UV sterilization unit 400.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the description herein of specificembodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and accompanying figures, which describe andshow certain embodiments, are made to demonstrate, in a non-limitingmanner, several possible configurations of ultraviolet sterilizationdevices/apparatuses and systems, and various methods of sterilizationaccording to various aspects and features of the present disclosure.

Various systems, devices/apparatuses, and methods are described herein,including ultraviolet sterilization systems and devices for use insterilizing equipment, e.g., sterilizing hospital equipment. Whilespecific embodiments are discussed below by way of example, theembodiments and examples described are not intended to be limiting. Theinventive principles associated with the embodiments described herein,including with respect to the chambers, units, systems, apparatuses,methods, etc. described herein, may be applied to a variety of uses,systems, apparatuses, units, methods, etc.

FIGS. 1-2 show an ultraviolet sterilization chamber or box 10 forsterilizing equipment. FIG. 3 shows a similar ultraviolet sterilizationchamber or box 10 for sterilizing equipment of a somewhat differentconfiguration. The ultraviolet sterilization chamber 10 can be made in avariety of sizes and shapes, but is preferably sized and shaped to belarge enough to enclose and sterilize large equipment, e.g., hospitalgurneys, carts, wheelchairs, waiting room chairs, hospital beds, and/orother large furniture or equipment. In one embodiment, the ultravioletsterilization chamber 10 is 2-7 feet wide, 3-7 feet tall, and 5-10 feetdeep. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization chamber 10 is 3feet wide, 4 feet tall, and 7 feet deep. While the present embodiment ofthe sterilization chamber 10, shown in FIG. 1, has a rectangular crosssectional area, it is appreciated that a variety of cross sectionalshapes fall within the scope of the present disclosure, includingcircular, decagonal, nonagonal, octagonal, heptagonal, hexagonal,pentagonal, or square. The ultraviolet sterilization chamber 10 mayirradiate germicidal ultraviolet-C (“UV-C”) wavelengths of light (e.g.,wavelengths between 180 and 285 nanometers) into the interior of thechamber 10. In one embodiment, the wavelength of the UV-C light used inchamber 10 is at or around 253.7 nanometers. UV-C light is germicidaland deactivates microorganisms (e.g., breaks or renders their DNAnon-viable), including microorganisms that cause diseases such asmeasles, tuberculosis, and influenza as well as viruses. Once the DNA ofthe microorganism is broken or rendered non-viable, the microorganismcan no longer reproduce and is rendered harmless.

The ultraviolet sterilization chamber 10 may include one or more of thefollowing: a sturdy frame, a door, walls, a floor, a ceiling, corrugatedinsulation, and/or ultraviolet light emitting light bulbs. The frame 12of the chamber 10 may be constructed of steel, aluminum, or anothersuitably strong and sturdy material that resists damage from UVradiation. Preferably, the material of the frame 12 is aluminum oranother non-magnetic material to make the chamber 10 lighter and toeliminate or limit the magnetic properties of the chamber. The term“magnetic” as used herein refers to a material that is attracted to amagnet, whereas the term “non-magnetic” refers to a material that is notattracted to a magnet. While the chamber 10 may be constructed usingmaterials with magnetic properties, it is preferable to construct thechamber with non-magnetic materials so that the chamber can be used inthe vicinity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment withoutcausing complications for the MRI equipment. Even the light fixtures 22may be constructed with plastic ends to avoid using magnetic materials.However, if ultraviolet sterilization chamber 10 is not to be used inthe vicinity of MRI equipment other metal materials, including thosethat are magnetic, may be used.

Walls 14 may be constructed of steel, aluminum, or another suitablystrong and sturdy material that resists damage from UV radiation.Preferably, the material of the walls 14 is aluminum or anothernon-magnetic material to make the chamber 10 lighter and to eliminate orlimit the magnetic properties of the chamber. As discussed above, it ispreferable to construct the chamber with non-magnetic materials so thatthe chamber can be used in the vicinity of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) equipment without causing complications for the MRI equipment.Walls 14 may be riveted or otherwise attached to the frame. Optionally,the walls may be attached to each other, e.g., if no frame is used.Again, it is preferable that the rivets, screws, or other attachmentdevices are made of non-magnetic material, although, magnetic materialsmay be used in some embodiments. Preferably, the walls 14, floor 13 andceiling 15 form a fully enclosed chamber or a chamber that is fullyenclosed when attached to a closed door 16. The top or ceiling 15 andbottom or floor 13 of the chamber 10 may also be considered part ofwalls 14. The bottom or floor 13 may be reinforced or use a stronger orthicker material to provide added support to heavy equipment orfurniture placed in the chamber 10 for sterilization. The ceiling 15 maybe constructed in a similar way to the walls 14 as discussed above.

The door 16 may also be considered a wall of the chamber 10. The door 16may be attached to the frame or another wall by a hinge 18 as shown inFIG. 1. However, the door 16 may also be attached to the frame or theremainder of the chamber 10 by other means, or by hinges along anotherside of the door 16. In one embodiment, the chamber 10 may include asliding door, instead of or in addition to a hinged door. The door 16may be made of the same or a different material from the rest of thewalls 14 of the chamber 10. For example, the door 16 may be made ofsteel, aluminum, or another suitably strong and sturdy material thatresists damage from UV radiation. The door preferably allows for largeequipment or furniture to enter the chamber 10 for sterilization andthen closes the chamber to keep the UV radiation within the chamber. Thedoor may latch or otherwise be held closed during sterilization.

The door (or another wall) may optionally include a transparent windowmade of UV-radiation blocking material, e.g., adequately tinted glass ortransparent plastic or glass/plastic that has been treated to prevent orlimit UV-radiation from passing through the glass or plastic. The windowallows an operator of the chamber 10 to look into the interior of thechamber to see the equipment being sterilized or determine whether anyUV light bulbs have burned out and need to be replaced. The window mayhave a small shutter or door that closes over the window when notlooking into the chamber or to protect the window. The small shutter ordoor may be hinged to open or close over the window or the small shutteror door may be a sliding door that slides into place in front of thewindow when closed.

The interior of the chamber 10, e.g., including walls 14, ceiling 15 anddoor 16, is preferably lined with a reflective corrugated or otherwisepatterned inner lining or insulation material 20, e.g., a corrugatedaluminum insulation material, corrugated steel material, aluminum foil,patterned reflective Plexiglas, or another patterned or corrugatedreflective material. The reflective corrugated or otherwise patternedmaterial is very beneficial in that it reflects the UV light in thechamber 10 in many different directions, which helps spread the light onevery surface of the equipment, furniture, etc. being sterilized in thechamber 10. Often, the equipment, furniture, etc. to be sterilized has anon-symmetrical, non-uniform, and/or non-even shape with varied surfacetypes. It can be difficult to sterilize such equipment because thevaried shapes of the equipment and surfaces can create shadowed areas onthe equipment or in grooves on the surface of equipment. The shadowedareas may not receive enough UV light to sterilize the shadowed area,which can leave the equipment, furniture, etc. not fully sterilized. Bylining the interior of chamber 10 with a reflective material that iscorrugated or patterned to reflect the UV light in all or nearly alldirections, 100% or nearly 100% (e.g., 98-100%) sterilization of theequipment, furniture, etc. may be sterilized. In other words thepatterned or corrugated material is able to reflect the light in so manydifferent ways that no shadowed portion of the equipment, furniture,etc. is left unexposed to the UV light. Indeed shadowed portions areavoided because the UV light is reflected in all directions. A goodpattern or corrugation design will reflect light in essentially everydirection within the chamber 10 and can result in 100% sterilization ofeven unique shaped or non-evenly shaped surfaces of equipment,furniture, etc. Another benefit having a corrugated or otherwisepatterned reflective lining material is that it allows for morevariations in the design and arrangement of the UV lights in thechamber, i.e., because the light will be reflected so thoroughly in allor nearly all directions. For example, lights may not need to bearranged evenly around the item being sterilized, and shadowed areas maybe prevented from forming with fewer light than might otherwise berequired.

The corrugations/pattern on the reflective lining or insulation material20 may be arranged in a random or pseudo-random pattern to ensure thatthe UV light is reflected in all or nearly all directions. However,other designs or patterns are also possible as long as the UV light isreflected in many different directions sufficient to achieve 100% ornearly 100% sterilization on un-even surfaces and non-uniform shapedequipment, furniture, etc. For example, a pattern of concentric circles,wavy lines, wrinkles, small protrusions (e.g., circular, triangular,oval, trapezoidal protrusions), and/or crisscrossing lines may be used.A repeating pattern of small corrugation shapes may be used. Somecrosshatching is shown on the walls in FIGS. 2-3 as representative ofvarious corrugations/patterns that may be used on the walls. Forconvenience and to avoid making the figures overly complex or clutteredwith lines, the crosshatching is only shown on portions of the walls,but the pattern can cover a portion or cover the entire wall or most ofthe wall for each of the walls of the chamber. A pattern of a logo,e.g., a company logo, may also be formed on the lining or insulationmaterial 20; however, this works best when the remainder of the patternon the lining or insulation material 20 is better designed forreflecting light in all or nearly all directions.

The floor 13 of the chamber 10 is shown in FIGS. 2-3 as being made of areflective material (e.g., a mirror, reflective Plexiglas, ormirror-like material). The reflective floor material helps ensure thatthe underside of the equipment, furniture, etc. gets sterilized as wellas the top and sides thereof. Having the reflective floor surface besmooth makes it easier to slide the equipment, furniture, etc. into thechamber 10. However, the reflective floor material may also becorrugated or otherwise patterned as discussed above.

Optionally, the walls 14, ceiling 15 and floor 13 may be formed oflayers of material. For example, walls 14, ceiling 15 and floor 13 maybe formed of an inner wall and an outer wall, or an inner wall, outerwall, and corrugated insulation/lining layer. In FIGS. 1-3, the walls 14are formed with a layer of flat wall material (e.g., an aluminum sheet),and an inner layer of corrugated insulation (e.g., corrugated aluminuminsulation). Optionally, another inner wall layer may be includedbetween the lining/insulation layer 20 and the outer wall layer.

In one embodiment, an outer wall layer forms the outside wall of thechamber 10, and a light fixture (e.g., light fixture 22) may be mountedon the internal side of the outer wall. An inner wall layer is formed inchamber 10 inside of the outer wall layer. The inner wall layer mayinclude an opening through which a light bulb (e.g., UV light bulb 24)mounted in the light fixture (e.g., UV light fixture 22) extends. Theinner wall layer may be flush with the innermost edge (i.e., inside thechamber 10) of the light fixture 22, or may cover a portion of theinnermost edge of the light fixture. When viewed inside the chamber 10,only the light bulbs will protrude from the inner wall layers into thechamber 10 (contrast this with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in whichthe light fixture 22 and the light bulb 24 both protrude from the wallsinto the interior of the chamber 10). Any cords or other electronicsassociated with the light fixtures or other parts of chamber 10 may passbetween the inner walls and the outer walls without being visible whenlooking into the chamber. The inner walls may be removable to servicethe light fixtures, cords, or other electronics. The inner walls may beformed of or lined with corrugated or otherwise patterned reflectivelining/insulation material as discussed above to better distribute thelight in the sterilization chamber. The materials used for the walls andinsulation may be the same as those discussed previously.

Optionally, a UV transparent protective material (e.g., glass,Plexiglas, plastic, or metal frame or mesh) layer may be installed overthe light bulbs (e.g., UV light bulbs 24). This protective material canhelp prevent damage to the UV light bulbs and thereby prevent injury tothe user from cuts or electrocution associated with broken bulbs.Preferably, the protective material is generally transparent to UVradiation and does not substantially hinder the required amount UVradiation from reaching and effectively sterilizing the equipment,furniture, item, etc. to be sterilized. If necessary, higher power UVlight bulbs may be used so that a sufficient amount of UV radiationpasses through the protective material for sterilization, even if someUV radiation is blocked by the protective material. The UV transparentprotective material may be placed as an additional inner wall layer andentirely cover one or more inner walls (including any corrugated orotherwise patterned lining/insulation) of the chamber 10, the door 16,the ceiling, and/or the floor. If a strong enough material is used onthe floor (and the material/panel is well enough supported to hold itabove the light bulbs and protect them, e.g., with supports and/orsupport beams (preferably reflective or UV transparent) spaced atvarious locations on the floor and/or along the edges), UV light bulbsmay be installed on the floor under the UV transparent protectivematerial (e.g., a panel of the protective material), so that light bulbsmay be positioned underneath any equipment, furniture, items, etc.placed in the chamber 10 for sterilization. This helps ensure the bottomof the equipment, furniture, items, etc. is fully sterilized, i.e., eventhe legs or base that sits on the UV transparent protective material ofthe floor will be sterilized because the UV light can pass through theprotective material to the surface of the equipment, furniture, items,etc., resting directly on the protective material. (This may beconsidered similar to light of a photocopier shining up through theglass to the surface of the paper resting on the glass). Optionally, theUV transparent protective material may be a narrower material or casingthat primarily covers the exterior of the bulbs without extending alongthe entire length of the wall. The UV transparent protective material ispreferably removable to change the light bulbs and service the lightfixtures or other equipment.

Light fixtures 22 and light bulbs 24 may be arranged throughout thechamber 10 in a variety of ways. As discussed above, having a corrugatedor otherwise patterned reflective lining/insulation allows for morefreedom in designing the arrangements of lights (e.g., because the lightwill be reflected to all necessary locations). FIG. 2 shows anarrangement in which the light fixtures 22 and UV light bulbs 24 arearranged vertically on the side walls with three light bulbs on each ofthe long sides and two light bulbs on the end side and door, while thetop or ceiling 15 also has two light bulbs arranged lengthwise thereon.However, other numbers of UV light bulbs and other arrangements are alsopossible. For example, FIG. 3 shows another arrangement of light bulbsin which the light bulbs are generally arranged horizontally on the sidewalls. Preferably, the light bulbs 24 will be evenly spaced around thechamber; however, if the reflective lining properly reflects the UVlight, an even spacing is not necessary. The UV light bulbs 24 may bebetween 6 inches and 60 inches long, more preferably the UV light bulbs24 are between 24 inches and 48 inches long. In one embodiment the UVlight bulbs 24 are 48 inches long. Alternatively, the UV light bulbs 24may consist of an array of UV sterilization compact fluorescent lamps(CFL), (similar to an ‘energy saver bulb’). It will be obvious to aperson of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of arrangements ofthe CFL array (e.g. a grid layout, a diamond layout, a hexagonal or‘honey comb’ lay out) are possible and fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The light fixtures and bulbs (e.g., fixtures 22 and bulbs 24) shown inthe figures herein are merely representative, and are not meant to berestrictive. The light fixtures and bulbs ultimately used may be in anyformat, shape, or size described herein or shown with respect to any ofthe embodiments, e.g., the fixtures 22 and bulbs 24 may be similar tofixtures 122 and bulbs 124 shown in FIG. 7 or the fixtures and bulbs ofother figures. In one embodiment, the bulbs may have a similar shape andsize to fluorescent light bulbs.

Optionally, the lights may be movable or adjustable in the sterilizationchamber, e.g., such that a user may move the lights into a position tobetter focus the light in a desired region. To do this the lightfixtures may be installed on mounts, panels, runners, and/or tracks thatallow the lights to translate/slide forward or backward (e.g.,horizontal) along the walls of the chamber 10. Optionally, the lightfixtures may be able to translate/slide upward or downward (e.g.,vertical) as well as or instead of sliding forward or backward (e.g.,horizontal). Optionally, the light fixtures may be installed on arotating mount or panel such that the light fixtures and the light bulbsmay be rotated from vertical to horizontal or any angle in between. Therotation may be in a range of 90°, 180°, 360°, or another range. If UVtransparent protective material is used to cover the light bulbs asdiscussed above, the UV transparent protective material may be removableto allow manual adjustment of the lights. Further, if the lights aremovable or adjustable, corrugated or otherwise patternedlining/insulation may not be used as movement of the lights may beeffective to prevent any shadowed areas on the object being sterilized;however, the corrugated or otherwise patterned lining/insulation canstill be effective in helping improve light exposure even when thelights are adjustable or movable.

Optionally, the movement (e.g., translation horizontally or vertically,and/or rotation as discussed above) of the lights may be automated andcontrolled by a control unit and/or software. For example, the lightsmay move along the walls of the chamber 10 similar to how a photocopierlight moves. The pattern of movement may be programmed into a computer,control unit, and/or software run on a computer/control unit to controlthe movement of the lights. The movement of the lights can be designedto ensure that all areas of the item being sterilized have beensufficiently exposed to the UV radiation to kill or render non-viableany microorganisms thereon. If lights are installed in the floor under asturdy UV transparent protective material that covers the floor, asdiscussed above, the lights in the floor may move under the equipment,furniture, item, etc. to be sterilized (e.g., similar to a photocopierlight moving under the glass) such that the entire bottom of theequipment, furniture, item, etc. is exposed to the UV radiationsufficiently to kill or render non-viable any microorganisms, even thoseon the legs or base of the equipment, furniture, item, etc. resting onthe UV transparent protective material.

The UV light bulbs 24 may be germicidal bulbs of various power levels.For example, the UV light bulbs 24 may be in a range of 30 watt to 200watt bulbs. Optionally, the UV light bulbs 24 may be in a range of 40watt to 75 watt bulbs. The UV light bulbs 24 may optionally be T8 or T5bulbs. The UV light bulbs are germicidal to kill or render non-viablemicroorganisms including bacteria and viruses. If the bulbs operate at ahigher power, then it takes less time to sterilize items and kill orrender non-viable microorganisms. If the bulbs operate at a lower power,then it takes more time to sterilize items and kill or render non-viablemicroorganisms, (i.e., the light must shine on the item being sterilizedfor a longer time period). Optionally, a sensor or multiple sensors maybe used to indicate whether a bulb has stopped working and needs to bereplaced. In one embodiment, a sensor may be used that detects theintensity of the light or power in the chamber and can sense changes inintensity if a bulb burns out or stops working.

The sterilization chamber 10 may be designed for adjustable powersettings for different sterilization needs or to accommodate thematerial properties of the various items to be sterilized. Somematerials may melt or be otherwise damaged if exposed to high powered UVradiation, so it may be desirable to use lower power UV light whensterilizing these items. However, some materials are more durable (lesslikely to be damaged) under UV radiation and can be sterilized muchfaster if higher power UV light is used. Accordingly, the light fixtures22 may be designed such that the UV light bulbs 24 may be easilyinterchangeable, such that higher watt bulbs may be installed in thelight fixtures and used for sterilizing more durable items, and lowerwatt bulbs may be installed in the same light fixtures and used forsterilizing items that might melt or be otherwise damaged in highpowered UV light (i.e., the bulbs may be exchanged to meet the needs ofthe sterilization and the items to be sterilized). Also, thesterilization chamber 10 may include a certain number of bulbs, but maybe designed to allow only some of the lights to be turned on for lowerpowered sterilization, while more of the lights or all of the lightsmight turn on for higher powered sterilization. The number of lightsturned on and active may be varied to achieve the desired overall UVpower level inside the chamber. Optionally, there may be some lightbulbs of a lower watt level and some light bulbs of a higher watt levelinstalled together inside the chamber (or bulbs with a range of wattlevels may be installed together in the chamber). The lower watt UVlight bulbs may be turned on and the higher watt UV light bulbs turnedoff for a lower powered sterilization. For a higher poweredsterilization, the high watt UV light bulbs may be turned on and the lowwatt UV light bulbs may be turned off or remain on. Again the number ofbulbs turned on may be varied for different sterilization or materialneeds.

The sterilization chamber may include a user interface or control panelto allow a user to adjust the settings of the sterilization chamber 10,e.g., a user may use a button(s), a switch(es), a dial(s), a touchscreen, a remote control, a wireless device, and or other controls tocontrol the sterilization chamber 10. Some controls may allow a user toset the power level desired in the sterilization chamber and/or set howlong the sterilization should last. For example, the user may be ableswitch on or off a series of switches, where each switch will turn on oroff some of the UV light bulbs in the sterilization chamber. By turningon or off the desired number of switches, the user may control powerlevel within the sterilization chamber. Optionally, a dial, multipledials, a button, or multiple buttons may be used to turn on or off someor all of the lights in the sterilization chamber. A timer may be usedthat automatically shuts off the lights after the sterilization time hasbeen completed. The user may be able to adjust the time forsterilization according to the situation or item to be sterilized. Inone embodiment, a dial is used that acts as a timer; the dial may beturned and set to a specific time. While the timer is counting, the UVlight bulbs receive electricity and are turned on, but when the timerruns to zero, the electricity is cut off and the UV light bulbs turnoff. Multiple such dials may be used to control different sets oflights.

Optionally, a more sophisticated control unit, control panel and/orcomputer may be used to control the sterilization chamber usingsoftware. The control unit, control panel and/or computer may includeand/or use a processor, memory, and software. The software may beprogrammed such that a user may select the desired power level and theamount of time the sterilization should take place. The control paneland/or computer may provide the user with pre-programmed sterilizationsettings for different equipment or scenarios. In embodiments whereautomated movement of the lights is used, the control unit/computer mayimplement software to control the movement of the lights. The user maycontrol where the lights move or pre-programmed sterilizationprograms/settings may move the lights in pre-determined patterns. Thecontrol unit/computer may provide instructions to the sterilizationthrough a wired connection or wirelessly. Optionally, a smart phoneapplication or “app” may be used to control the sterilization chamber.

The user interface, control unit, computer, etc. used may desirably becapable of controlling the sterilization chamber 10 from a remotelocation, so the user interface, control unit, computer, etc. may bekept away from any MRI equipment when sterilizing an MRI suite. Forexample, a control unit may have a long cord (e.g., 15-30 feet) and along distance transformer, so it can be located outside an MRI suitewhile controlling and powering sterilization chamber 10 inside the MRIsuite. It is appreciated that various methods of controlling the unitwould fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The sterilization chamber 10 may be portable. The sterilization chambermay have wheels on a bottom thereof to allow the sterilization chamberto be wheeled to a desired location. The sterilization chamber may beloaded into a bed of a truck or in a trailer and driven around tovarious locations. Optionally, the sterilization chamber may be formedin or as a trailer for a truck.

The sterilization chamber 10 may also be stationary and/or formed as aroom in a building or lot. For example, the sterilization chamber 10 maybe manufactured as a sterilization room in a hospital into which anyequipment, furniture, items, etc. from the hospital or elsewhere may bemoved into the sterilization room for sterilization. The sterilizationroom may include any of the features discussed above with respect tosterilization chamber 10, except it would not be portable. Asterilization room or chamber may include a moving conveyor belt, line,floor, or other feature for automated movement of equipment into,through, and out of the room to be sterilized.

Additional elements may be provided with the sterilization chamber 10and/or inside the sterilization chamber 10 to aid sterilization. Forexample, one or more trays may be provided on which smaller equipment,instruments, tools, items, etc. may be placed for sterilization. Thetrays may be constructed of a UV transparent material (e.g., aPlexiglas, glass, or transparent plastic material) so that theundersides of the equipment, instruments, tools, items, etc. resting onthe tray may be sterilized when the tray is placed in the sterilizationchamber 10. Alternatively, the trays may be made of a reflectivematerial or a corrugated reflective material. A cart may be provided inwhich the one or more trays may be loaded. The cart may have ledgesalong its sides so that the trays may be slid over the ledges andsupported by the cart at the edges of the tray (i.e., so the bottom ofthe tray is not covered and the items on the tray may be sterilized fromunderneath). Multiple trays may be loaded into the cart on differentlayers of ledges. Optionally a suspension mechanism (e.g., suspendedhooks, lines, straps, etc.) may be included that can allow equipment,instruments, tools, items, etc. to be suspended from the ceiling of thesterilization chamber leaving the bottom(s) of the equipment,instruments, tools, items, etc. fully exposed to the UV light. Forexample, a hook(s) may extend from the ceiling or be suspended from aloop and/or line on the ceiling and equipment, instruments, tools,items, etc. may be suspended from the hook(s). The hook(s) or othersuspension mechanism is preferably transparent to UV light wherepossible.

Various methods of using the sterilization chamber 10 are possible.Often, the methods of use will involve one or more of the followingsteps, including opening the door 16 to the sterilization chamber 10,placing one or more items desired to be sterilized inside the interiorof the sterilization chamber 10, closing the door 16 to thesterilization chamber 10, turning on the UV light bulbs inside thechamber and leaving them on for a desired amount of time (e.g., using auser interface/control unit/computer as discussed above), removing theitem from the sterilization chamber 10. Power levels of UV light andtimes for sterilization may vary depending on the item being sterilized.A power level of UV light and time of exposure to the UV light may beselected such that 100% or nearly 100% of the microorganisms on the itemare killed or rendered non-viable. If additional features among thosediscussed above are used, the method of use may involve using thosefeatures as discussed above (e.g., if the lights are adjustable, thelights may be moved to the desired location for sterilization).

Methods of manufacture may include assembling some or all of the variousfeatures described above with respect to the sterilization chamber 10.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary adjustable-angle, directed-light UVsterilization unit 100. FIGS. 5-7 show various views of an exemplaryadjustable-angle, directed-light UV sterilization unit 100 similar tothat shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 4-7 show an adjustable-angle, directed-lightUV sterilization unit 100 that includes a light hood shade 120, lightfixtures 122, UV light bulbs 124, an angle adjustment 104, a heightadjustment slide 106, a base 108, a vertical support 110, wheels 112 onthe base, and a control unit 114. The UV sterilization unit 100 may bepowered by a power cord (not shown).

Light hood shade 120 may be constructed of a sheet of steel, aluminum,or other material. The material of light hood shade 120 may bereflective to help direct light toward an object being sterilized.Optionally, the surface may be corrugated or otherwise patterned asdiscussed above. Light hood shade 120 may be shaped in various ways todirect the UV light as desired. As best seen in FIGS. 5-7, the lighthood shade 120 may include a central flat portion and two side portionsthat are angled slightly with respect to the central portion (e.g., theside portions may be at a 15°-45° angle, or optionally a 20°-30° angle,or a 20° angle). This angling of the side portions helps direct andguide the light in the desired direction for sterilization, whilehelping to minimize or prevent the UV light from spreading very far tothe sides or behind the light hood shade 120. Focusing the UV light onthe object being sterilized while minimizing the spread of the UV lightin other directions helps make the adjustable-angle, directed-light UVsterilization unit 100 safer for use in a room where people are present.For example, an emergency room or hospital waiting room may rarely ifever be completely free of people as patients may continually come in atany time of day. In some instances, some of the patients will havecommunicable diseases, be bleeding, and/or vomit in the waiting room,and may spread contaminated material to the waiting room furniture orother equipment or items with which they come in contact. This oftennecessitates sterilizing furniture, equipment, or other items/objectswhile other patients are still present in the emergency or hospitalwaiting room. Accordingly, having a sterilization unit that can focuslight on a particular piece of furniture or a particular object withoutsubjecting other people in the room to the UV radiation is verybeneficial.

Optionally, additional wing or extension portions (not shown), which mayoptionally be made of reflective material, may be added to the sides ofthe light hood shade 120 to help further contain and direct the UV lightin the desired direction while preventing UV light exposure in undesiredareas. For example, wing or extension portions that are generally thesame length (although they may be somewhat larger or shorter as well) asthe light hood shade 120 may be attached by a hinge or hinges along thesides of the light hood shade 120. The hinges would allow the wing orextension portions to fold back behind the light hood shade 120 toexpose a greater area to the UV light or to fold down around the sidesof the light hood shade 120 to cover the sides of the light fixtures 122and light bulbs 124 and focus the light in a narrower range as desired.The wing or extension portions may be wide enough that when they are inthe forward position they block the majority of side light from the UVlight bulbs 124 from escaping to the sides of the unit. The wing orextension portions may also allow the user to adjust the area that thelight contacts by swinging the wing or extension portions wider for awider area exposed to the UV light or narrower for a narrower areaexposed to the UV light. The wing or extension portions help make theunit safer for use in a room where other people are present because itcan narrow the focus of the light and prevent wide exposure as discussedabove. For example, if a patient vomited on a waiting room chair, thesterilization unit 100 could be moved over to the chair, the base 108rolled under the chair around or between the legs of the chair, theangle and height of the light hood shade 120 could be adjusted to matchthe chair, then the wing or extension portions could be swung down tocover the sides of the chair. When the sterilization unit 100 is turnedon, the UV light will be focused primarily on the chair without exposingthe surrounding people to the UV light. The wing or extension portionsare preferably reflective on the side exposed to the light to help focusthe light on the desired object for sterilization.

Light fixtures 122 are attached to the operative side or focal side ofthe light hood shade 120. Light fixtures 122 may be similar to the lightfixtures 22 discussed above and have the same or similar features. UVlight bulbs 124 may be used in the light fixtures 122. UV light bulbs124 may be similar to the UV light bulbs 24 discussed above and have thesame or similar features. Ultraviolet-transparent protective materialsimilar to that discussed above may be installed over the one or more ofthe UV light bulbs 124. The UV light bulbs 124 may be between 6 inchesand 60 inches long, more preferably the UV light bulbs 124 are between24 inches and 48 inches long. In one embodiment the UV light bulbs 124are 48 inches long. Alternatively, the UV light bulbs 124 may consist ofan array of UV sterilization compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), (similarto an ‘energy saver bulb’). It will be obvious to a person of ordinaryskill in the art that a variety of arrangements of the CFL array (e.g. agrid layout, a diamond layout, a hexagonal or ‘honey comb’ lay out) arepossible and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

An angle adjustment 104 may be formed by a sturdy metal cord or othersturdy line or rope with notches or fixtures 116 thereon. The verticalsupport 110 may include a notch or groove 118 thereon (e.g., on anextension extending from near the top of the vertical support 110) inwhich the notches or fixtures 116 may be received to hold the angleadjustment 104 at the correct angle. FIGS. 5 and 6 show angle adjustment104 adjusted such that the light hood shade 120 is set at a lower anglerelative to the higher angle shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 5 and 6 also showthe fixtures 116 along a metal line/cord. To adjust the angle of thelight shade hood the angle adjustment 104 may be set or locked into thenotch/groove 118 at different points along the angle adjustment 104. InFIG. 4, the first fixture 116 of the angle adjustment 104 is set in thenotch/groove 118; whereas in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fifth fixture 116 is setin the notch/groove 118. Other angle adjustments may also be used, e.g.,angle adjustments using pulley systems, retractable lines, a coil andhandle (e.g., the handle can wind/unwind a line around the coil to raiseor lower the top of the light hood shade 120 to change the angle).

A height adjustment slide 106 that slides along the vertical support 110may also be included in the sterilization unit 100. The heightadjustment slide can be used to adjust the height of the bottom end ofthe light hood shade 120. This can help change the angle of the lightshade hood and help it sterilized a higher surface. In FIG. 6, theheight adjustment slide 106 is set at a mid-point on the verticalsupport 110 and the fifth fixture 116 of the angle adjustment 104 is setin the notch/groove 118; accordingly, the angle of light hood shade 120in FIG. 6 is significantly lower than the angle shown in FIG. 4, but thelowest point of the light hood shade 120 is much higher than that shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the height adjustment slide 106 is at its lowestposition and the fifth fixture 116 of the angle adjustment 104 is set inthe notch/groove 118; accordingly, the angle of light hood shade 120 inFIG. 5 is lower than the angle shown in FIG. 4, but higher than thatshown in FIG. 6.

The angle adjustment 104 and the height adjustment slide 106 worktogether to provide a wide variety of angle and height adjustments tothe light hood shade 120 and the light bulbs 124 of sterilization unit100. This allows the sterilization unit 100 to be customized tosterilize various types of equipment and furniture, and helps to focusthe UV light in the desired sterilization location while preventingexposure to UV light outside of the desired sterilization location. Itis appreciated that various methods of adjusting the height and angle ofthe adjustable-angle, directed-light UV sterilization unit 100 fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure, for example extensionrod(s); joint(s); latch(es); hydraulic system, and/or a strap(s) and apeg(s) (e.g. where the strap may have holes that allows the strap to beset on the peg(s) at different lengths which allows different angles ofthe side or wing portions).

Base 108 provides support to the sterilization unit 100 and helpsprevent the unit from tipping over. Wheels 112 may be used on the baseto help make the sterilization unit 100 more portable/movable. The base108 may include two leg portions that extend forward and provide addedsupport to the sterilization unit to prevent tipping of the unit. Thetwo leg portions may be longer than that shown in FIGS. 4-7. The two legportions may also have an adjustable length (e.g., telescoping legs) sothe legs can be extended to provide added support when the light hoodshade 120 is set at a low angle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) and is morelikely to tip the over. The base may also include a reflective panel(e.g., a mirror or mirror-like material) that extends between the twoleg portions. This reflective panel or mirror may be pushed underneath achair, other piece of furniture or equipment to be sterilized and mayreflect the UV light onto the underside of the chair, other furniture,or equipment to sterilize underneath the item. The reflective panel maybe angled to better reflect the light or may include an angled portionand a flat portion.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the sterilization unit may include a controlunit 114. Control unit 114 is relatively simple and comprises primarilya timer switch dial. The dial is turned to a desired time and the UVlight is on as long as the timer is counting down. When the timerreaches zero, the UV light turns off. This is similar to the dialsdiscussed above with respect to sterilization chamber 10. This type oftimer switch dial may be used with sterilization chamber 10 or the othersterilization units described herein. Optionally, a user interface,control unit, computer, and/or other controls the same as or similar tothe user interface, control unit, computer, and other controls discussedabove with respect to the sterilization chamber 10 may be used for thesterilization unit 100 or the other sterilization units describedherein. The user interface, control unit, computer, etc. used maydesirably be capable of controlling the sterilization unit 100 from aremote location, so the user interface, control unit, computer, etc. maybe kept away from any MRI equipment when sterilizing an MRI suite. Forexample, a control unit may have a long cord (e.g., 15-30 feet) and along distance transformer, so it can be located outside an MRI suitewhile controlling and powering sterilization unit 100 inside the MRIsuite.

Preferably, the entire sterilization unit 100, including its components,is made of aluminum or other non-magnetic materials so that thesterilization unit 100 may be used in the vicinity of an MRI machinewithout causing problems, as discussed above with respect tosterilization chamber 10. Also, the sterilization unit 100 may beadjustable with respect to its power level. This may be accomplished inways similar to those discussed above with respect to sterilizationchamber 10, e.g., the lights may be interchangeable, only certain lightsmay be turned on while others are off, light bulbs of different wattlevels may be used, etc.

Various methods of using the directed-light UV sterilization unit 100are possible. Often, the methods of use will involve one or more of thefollowing steps, including moving the sterilization unit 100 over to anitem/object (e.g., a chair, equipment, or other furniture) to besterilized, the base 108 may be rolled under the item/object (e.g.,around or between the legs of a chair or desk), the angle and height ofthe light hood shade 120 may be adjusted to match the item object (e.g.,the angle adjustment 104 may be adjusted and/or the height adjustmentslide 106 may be adjusted). If wing or extension portions are included,then the wing or extension portions may be swung down to cover the sidesof the item/object. Then the sterilization unit 100 may be turned onwith the UV light focused primarily on the item/object to be sterilizedwithout exposing any surrounding people to the UV light (or at leastminimizing exposure thereto). The sterilization may be done for adesired amount of time sufficient to kill or render non-viable anymicroorganisms on the item/object. If additional features among thosediscussed above are used, the method of use may involve using thosefeatures as discussed above.

Methods of manufacture may include assembling some or all of the variousfeatures described above with respect to the sterilization unit 100.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of an exemplary upright tower UV sterilizationunit 200 and associated control unit 214. FIG. 9 shows a rear view of anembodiment of the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250. FIG. 10 showsa front view of an embodiment of the upright tower UV sterilization unit280.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 may be formed as a freestanding tower that may be placed in a room to sterilize the room.Preferably, the upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 is formed ofaluminum and/or other non-magnetic materials so that the upright towerUV sterilization unit 200 may be used in an MRI room or otherwise in thevicinity of MRI equipment without causing a problem (see discussionabove with respect to sterilization chamber 10 and MRI). Even the lightfixtures 222 may be made with plastic (including plastic ends) to avoidhaving magnetic metal material in the unit. However, if the tower unit200 is not to be used in the vicinity of MRI equipment other metalmaterials, including those that are magnetic, may be used.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 may be of various shapes andsizes. The upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 is generally made tobe tall so that it can effectively flood a room with UV light.Optionally, the upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 is in the rangeof 20-100 inches or 50-100 inches tall and, optionally, in the range of40-84 inches or 60-84 inches tall. In one embodiment, the upright towerUV sterilization unit 200 is 72 inches tall. In one embodiment, theupright tower UV sterilization unit 200 is 48 inches tall or 45-55inches tall. The UV light bulbs 224 may be between 6 inches and 60inches long, more preferably the UV light bulbs 224 are between 36inches and 60 inches long. In one embodiment the UV light bulbs 224 are60 inches long. Alternatively, the UV light bulbs 224 may consist of anarray of UV sterilization compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), (similar toan ‘energy saver bulb’). A variety of arrangements of the CFL array(e.g. a grid layout, a diamond layout, star-shaped layout, a hexagonalor ‘honey comb’ lay out) are possible and fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 may have a variety of crosssectional shapes, including circular, decagonal, nonagonal, octagonal,heptagonal, hexagonal, pentagonal, star-shaped, or square, and UV lightbulbs 224 may be arranged on all sides of the unit. The walls of theupright tower UV sterilization unit 200 may be made of a reflectivematerial, e.g., a reflective aluminum, a mirror, or mirror-likematerial. The reflective material help direct the UV light outwardly tosterilize a room and its contents. Optionally, the reflective materialmay be corrugated or otherwise patterned as discussed above with respectto the sterilization chamber 10. The base 208 may also be made of areflective material to help distribute the UV light throughout the room.Also, the upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 may be adjustable withrespect to its power level. This may be accomplished in ways similar tothose discussed above with respect to sterilization chamber 10, e.g.,the lights may be interchangeable, only certain lights may be turned onwhile others are off, light bulbs of different watt levels may be used,etc.

In FIG. 8, the upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 is shown as beingoctagonal or having 8 sides. Each of the eight sides has a UV light bulb224. The UV light bulbs 224 are connected between plastic light fixtureends 222 that are non-magnetic. Light fixtures 222 and UV light bulbs224 may be the same as or similar to the light fixtures 22 and UV lightbulbs 24 discussed above with respect to the sterilization chamber 10.Ultraviolet-transparent protective material similar to that discussedabove with respect to the sterilization chamber 10 may be installed overthe one or more of the UV light bulbs 224.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 may include a hinge (notshown) along one side and a latching mechanism (e.g., a latch, hitch,clasp, etc.) on the opposite side (not shown); these allow the uprighttower UV sterilization unit 200 to be opened and have the interior andany electronics therein serviced. Alternatively, the top piece 206and/or base 208 could be removed to allow the interior and anyelectronics therein serviced. The upright tower UV sterilization unit200 may include wheels on its base 208 or handles or may be otherwiseportable, so the unit may be moved from room to room to sterilizedifferent areas.

The control unit 214 may be used to control the upright tower UVsterilization unit 200. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the control unit 214may include a series of switches, which may be used to adjust powersettings and/or control the UV light bulbs (e.g., turn the lights on oroff, or turn certain lights on and certain lights off). The control unit214 may also include a timer switch dial as discussed above with respectto sterilization chamber 10 and sterilization unit 100, which may turnthe UV lights on for a set amount of time. A control unit the same as orsimilar to control unit 214 may be used with sterilization chamber 10 orthe other sterilization units described herein. Optionally, a userinterface, control unit, computer, and/or other controls the same as orsimilar to the user interface, control unit, computer, and othercontrols discussed above with respect to the sterilization chamber 10may be used for the upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 or the othersterilization units described herein. The user interface, control unit,computer, etc. may desirably be capable of controlling the upright towerUV sterilization unit 200 from a remote location, so the user interface,control unit, computer, etc. may be kept away from any MRI equipmentwhen sterilizing an MRI suite. For example, control unit 214 has a longcord (e.g., 15-30 feet) and a long distance transformer, so it can belocated outside an MRI suite while controlling and powering the uprighttower UV sterilization unit 200 inside the MRI suite.

FIGS. 9-10 show various embodiments of the upright tower UVsterilization unit 200. The upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 maybe formed as a free standing tower that may be placed in a room tosterilize the room. Preferably, the upright tower UV sterilization unit250 is formed of aluminum and/or other non-magnetic materials asdiscussed above with respect to the upright tower UV sterilization unit200. Even the light fixtures 222 may be made with plastic (includingplastic ends) to avoid having magnetic metal material in the unit.However, if the tower unit 250 is not to be used in the vicinity of MRIequipment, other metal materials, including those that are magnetic, maybe used.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 may be of various shapes andsizes. The upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 illustrates a shorterembodiment of upright tower UV sterilization unit 200. The upright towerUV sterilization unit 250 may be in the range of 20-60 inches tall, butmore preferably in the range of 45-55 inches tall. In one embodiment,the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 is 50 inches tall and usesUV light bulbs 224 that are 48 inches long.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 may have a variety of crosssectional shapes, as discussed above with respect to the upright towerUV sterilization unit 200, and UV light bulbs 224 may be arranged on allsides of the unit. The walls of the upright tower UV sterilization unit200 may be made of a reflective material, e.g., a reflective aluminum, areflective Plexiglas, a mirror, or a mirror-like material. Thereflective material help direct the UV light outwardly to sterilize aroom and its contents. Optionally, the reflective material may becorrugated or otherwise patterned as discussed above with respect to theUV sterilization unit 200. The base 208 may also be made of a reflectivematerial to help distribute the UV light throughout the room. Also, theupright tower UV sterilization unit 250 may be adjustable with respectto its power level. This may be accomplished in ways similar to thosediscussed above with respect to the UV sterilization unit 200.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 may bethe same as or similar to the UV sterilization unit 200 discussed above,but sized and/or shaped differently. The UV sterilization unit 250 isshown as being octagonal or having 8 sides. Each of the eight sides hasa UV light bulb 224. The UV light bulbs 224 are connected betweenplastic light fixture ends 222 that are non-magnetic. Light fixtures 222and UV light bulbs 224 may be the same as or similar to the lightfixtures 22 and UV light bulbs 24 discussed above with respect to thesterilization chamber 10. Ultraviolet-transparent protective materialsimilar to that discussed above with respect to the sterilizationchamber 10 may be installed over the one or more of the UV light bulbs224.

The upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 may include a hinge (notshown) along one side and a latching mechanism (e.g., a latch, hitch,clasp, etc.) on the opposite side (not shown); these allow the uprighttower UV sterilization unit 250 to be opened and have the interior andany electronics therein serviced. Alternatively, the top piece 206and/or base 208 could be removed to allow the interior and anyelectronics therein serviced.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the upright tower UV sterilization unit250 that includes wheels 212 mounted to side of the base 208 and ahandle 210 mounted above the wheels, close to the top piece 206 of theunit. When the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 is resting on itsbase 208 the wheels 212 may or may not be touching the floor. In orderto move the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250, a person wouldgrasp handle 210 and tilt the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250towards the wheels 212. With the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250resting on the wheels 212, a person would be able to move the uprighttower UV sterilization unit 250 from room to room to sterilize differentareas. The UV light bulbs 224 are covered by a protective metal frame226 that prevents damage to the UV light bulbs and thereby preventinjury to the user from cuts or electrocution associated with brokenbulbs.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the upright tower UV sterilization unit250 that includes wheels 212 mounted to the underside of the base 208and a handle 210 mounted on the top side of the top piece 206 of theunit. With the upright tower UV sterilization unit 250 resting on thewheels 212, a person would be able to grasp the handle 210 to move theupright tower UV sterilization unit 250 from room to room to sterilizedifferent areas.

Various methods of using the upright tower UV sterilization unit 200 orUV sterilization unit 250 are possible. Often, the methods of use willinvolve one or more of the following steps, including moving the uprighttower UV sterilization unit 200/250 into a room to be sterilized. Theupright tower UV sterilization unit 200/250 may be positioned in theroom according to the sterilization needs. Then the upright tower UVsterilization unit 200/250 may be turned on exposing the room(preferably the entire room or the portion of the room desired to besterilized) to the UV light. The sterilization may be done for a desiredamount of time sufficient to kill or render non-viable anymicroorganisms on the item/object. If additional features among thosediscussed above are used, the method of use may involve using thosefeatures as discussed above.

Methods of manufacture may include assembling some or all of the variousfeatures described above with respect to the upright tower UVsterilization unit 200 or UV sterilization unit 250.

FIGS. 11-14 a each show an exemplary floor-treating, UV sterilizationunit 300. Sterilization unit 300 may be used to sterilize variousitems/objects and rooms. Sterilization unit 300 is particularly usefulfor sterilizing floors and long narrow regions, e.g., corridors, halls,trailers, etc. Sterilization unit 300 may be constructed with variousmaterials including the materials used to construct the othersterilization units and chamber described herein, e.g., steel, aluminum,plastic, etc. The materials may be reflective of UV light. In oneembodiment, the material on the same side of the sterilization unit 300as the UV light bulbs 324 may be lined with a corrugated or otherwisepatterned reflective material similar to that discussed above. In oneembodiment, as with the other sterilization units and chamber describedherein, it may be desirable to construct the sterilization unit 300 outof non-magnetic materials for the reasons discussed above with respectto the other sterilization units and chamber.

Sterilization unit 300 may be formed of a frame, light fixtures, UVlight bulbs, wheels, etc. Sterilization unit 300 may include a centralportion 302. The central portion 302 may be a variety of shapes,including generally rectangular or square in shape. The central portion302 may be formed as part of an open frame of the sterilization unit300, or the central portion 302 may include a panel attached to acentral region of the frame. The central portion 302 may have wheels 308attached to a bottom or floor-facing side thereof (e.g., four wheelswith one at each corner of the central portion 302). The wheels 308 mayoptionally be attached to legs or extensions 310 extending from thecentral portion 302 to raise the central portion 302 higher from thefloor or ground. In one embodiment, the legs or extensions 310 may beadjustable, so a user may change the distance between the wheels 308 andthe central portion 302 to change the height of the central portion 302above the floor or ground. In one embodiment, the wheels are 10 inchesin diameter, but various wheel sizes are possible.

The bottom or floor-facing side of the central portion 302 may alsoinclude light fixtures 322 and UV light bulbs 324 attached thereto, sothat the UV light bulbs 324 shine the UV light downward toward the flooror ground. If the central portion 302 includes an open frame portion,the light fixtures 322 may be attached at either end to the frame, e.g.,similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a top view ofa sterilization unit 300 with the UV light bulbs 324 running lengthwisefrom the front to the back of the sterilization unit 300. The tops ofthe light fixtures 322 in which the UV light bulbs 324 are installed arevisible in FIG. 12 because they span an open area between the sides ofthe central frame region which allows the tops of the light fixtures 322to be seen through the open area in the frame. However, the UV lightbulbs 324 are on the underside of the light fixtures 322 facing thefloor, so they are not visible in FIG. 12. If central portion 302includes an panel (e.g., an aluminum panel) or other structure closingthe frame, then the light fixtures 322 may be attached to a bottomsurface thereof, e.g., as shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, the lightfixture 322 runs from side to side instead of back to front as in FIG.12, but either configuration or other configurations of the lights arealso possible. Light fixtures 322 and UV light bulbs 324 may be the sameas or similar to the light fixtures 22 and UV light bulbs 24 discussedabove with respect to the sterilization chamber 10. The UV light bulbs324 may be between 6 inches and 60 inches long, more preferably the UVlight bulbs 324 are between 24 inches and 48 inches long. In oneembodiment the UV light bulbs 324 are 48 inches long. Alternatively, theUV light bulbs 324 may consist of an array of UV sterilization compactfluorescent lamps (CFL), (similar to an ‘energy saver bulb’). A varietyof arrangements of the CFL array (e.g. a grid layout, a diamond layout,a hexagonal or ‘honey comb’ lay out) are possible and fall within thescope of the present disclosure.

Ultraviolet-transparent protective material similar to that discussedabove with respect to the sterilization chamber 10 may be installed overthe one or more of the UV light bulbs 324. The material of the centralportion 302 may be reflective on the floor facing side as well to helpfocus and/or direct the light. The wheels 308 (or wheels 308 andlegs/extensions 310) are preferably tall enough to keep the UV lightbulbs and light fixtures 2-12 inches above the floor or ground. If thelegs/extensions 310 are height adjustable, a desired height above theground may be selected.

Optionally, central portion 302 may include an attachment point 328(e.g., a hitch, a loop, etc.) at which a cable, line, rope, etc. may beattached to the central portion 302. The cable, line, rope, etc. may beused to pull the sterilization unit 300 across a floor or other area tobe sterilized. In one embodiment, a spool or reel may be positioned adistance away (e.g., at an opposite end of a floor or corridor) from theremainder of the sterilization unit 300, and the spool or reel may beused to pull the cable, line, rope, etc. and thereby pull the centralportion 302 over the floor/ground to sterilize the floor. The reel orspool or another retraction device may be automated, so a user need notdraw the cable, line, rope, etc. directly himself or herself. Generally,each portion of the floor/ground should be exposed to the UV light forat least 3 minutes; however, the exposure may also be longer (e.g., 4minutes, 5 minutes, etc.). In one embodiment, the sterilization unituses UV light bulbs that are four feet long and moves at a rate of aboutone foot per minute to ensure each portion of the floor is exposed tothe UV light for four minutes.

In one embodiment, the sterilization unit 300 may be motorized insteadof or in addition to having an attachment point 328 for attaching a lineand pulling the unit. The motorized sterilization unit may be able tomove the wheels and thereby the sterilization unit without pulling. Themotorized sterilization unit may be remote controlled (e.g., similar toa remote controlled car) or programmed (e.g., with software) to drive ina particular pattern or route. In one embodiment, the sterilization unit300 may include a motor 316 that turns a gear(s) 320 and/or an axle 318between two wheels. If an axle 318 is used between the wheels,extensions 310 may be axle supports (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14)and connect to the axle 318, rather than connecting directly to thewheel 308. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13-14, two gears 320 areused (although more may be used), e.g., the motor turns a first gear,and the first gear turns a second gear on an axle 318 between two of thewheels 308, and the second gear turns the axle 318 to move thesterilization unit 300. The gears 320 may be in an engaged position or,optionally, they may be in a disengaged position. The two gears 320 ofFIGS. 13-14 are shown in a disengaged position for clear differentiationbetween the gears. Other options beyond gears may be used as well, e.g.,a pulley or belt system that transfers motion from the motor to theaxle.

The sterilization unit 300 may include one or more control bars orguides 312 to help guide the sterilization unit 300. For example, if thesterilization unit 300 is used in a trailer, corridor, hall, etc., thesterilization unit 300 may include one or more control bars or guides312 to help keep the sterilization unit 300 from turning off course. Thecontrol bar(s) or guides 312 may include wheels 314 (e.g., 3 inchwheels, or other size wheels) on the ends thereof. FIG. 12 shows a topview of wheels 314. FIGS. 13-14 show a side view of wheels 314, whichare orientated horizontally to roll along walls as the unit moves. Thecontrol bar(s) or guides 312 may be adjustable to change their length,so the wheels 314 may be brought into contact with the walls of atrailer, corridor, hall, etc. FIG. 14a , shows one embodiment of acontrol bar in which the control bar 312 is constructed of a largerdiameter center tube 336, two smaller diameter tubes 334 or bars thatare slidable within the larger diameter center tube when not locked, andlocks 326 (e.g., tightening screws or lock pins) that can be set to lockor prevent the smaller diameter tubes 334 or bars from sliding in thelarger diameter center tube 336. By adjusting the locks/screws 326 andsliding the smaller diameter tubes 334 or bars, the length of thecontrol bar may be adjusted. In use, control bars or guides 312 may beadjusted to fit wheels 314 against the walls of a trailer, corridor,hall, etc. such that the wheels 314 may roll along the walls, but willhelp prevent the sterilization unit 300 from turning off course. In oneembodiment, two control bars 312 may be attached to central portion 302and/or a frame of the sterilization unit 300. The control bars 312 arepreferably spaced apart, e.g., a first control bar 312A near orrelatively closer to a first axle between two wheels and a secondcontrol bar 312B near or relatively closer to a second axle between twoother wheels, to better prevent the sterilization unit 300 from turningoff course. The control bars may be placed at the same height off thefloor or different heights. In one embodiment, guides are used thatextend out from an edge(s) or end(s) of the sterilization unit 300, anddo not traverse from side to side across the sterilization unit 300 ascontrol rod 312 does in FIG. 12.

The sterilization unit 300 may include one or more side or wing portions304 attached to the central portion 302 (e.g., at a side(s) or an end(s)of the central portion 302). The side or wing portions 304 may have avariety of shapes, including generally rectangular or square. The sideor wing portions 304 may be formed by an open frame portion of thesterilization unit 300 or have panels or other material covering theframe, e.g., similar to the central portion 302. The side or wingportions 304 may include light fixtures 322 and UV light bulbs 324 on anouter side thereof. The light fixtures 322 and light bulbs 324 may bearranged in various configurations including vertically (FIG. 12) orhorizontally (FIGS. 13-14). If the frame of the side or wing portions304 is open, the light fixtures 322 may be attached directly to theframe and span the open area between edges of the frame. If a panel orother material covers the frame, then the light fixtures 322 may beattached to the panel or other material. The material of the side orwing portions 304 may be reflective on the same side as the UV lightbulbs 324 to help focus and/or direct the light. The side or wingportions 304 may be attached to the side edges of the central portion302, e.g., by hinges 332. The side or wing portions 304 may articulatewith respect to the central portion 302, and may include an adjustmentmechanism 306 (e.g., extension rod(s); joint(s); latch(es); hydraulicsystem, and/or a strap(s) and a peg(s), for example, where the strap mayhave holes that allows the strap to be set on the peg(s) at differentlengths which allows different angles of the side or wing portions) thatallows the side or wing portions 304 to articulate to and be locked atdifferent angles with respect to the central portion 302.

A user may be able to adjust the side or wing portions 304 to a desiredangle for sterilization. For example, in a narrow corridor, the side orwing portions 304 may be set to a 90° angle with respect to the centralportion 302 so that the side or wing portions 304 have light bulbs 324facing the walls and will sterilize the walls as the central portion 302sterilizes the floor. Optionally, the side or wing portions 304 may beset to an obtuse or acute angle with respect to the central portion 302.The obtuse angle setting may help sterilize a larger floor area or thecorners of a corridor. If the side or wing portions 304 are set to 180°with respect to the central portion 302, then the side or wing portions304 will also have their light bulbs 324 facing the floor; this allowssterilization of a larger floor area than the central portion 302 couldaccomplish alone. FIG. 11 shows one of the side or wing portions 304 atabout a 90° angle and one of the side or wing portions 304 set at anangle that is obtuse as between the central portion 302 and the side orwing portion 304. If the side or wing portions 304 are set to an acuteangle with respect to the central portion 302, they may be angled suchthat their light bulbs 324 are angled at least partially upward (but maybe angled mostly upward as well), which may allow for sterilization ofwalls and/or the ceiling as the sterilization unit 300 is drawn througha room, corridor, hall, trailer, etc. In one embodiment, thearticulation of the side or wing portions 304 may be automated andcontrolled by a control unit, e.g., the user may set the angle of theside or wing portions 304 on a control unit and the side or wingportions 304 will be automated to move to the selected angle. In thisembodiment, the angle may be changed as sterilization progresses andwhile sterilization unit 300 is drawn through a room, corridor, etc.This allows the sterilization and UV light exposure to be changed tomatch various different portions of the region being sterilized (e.g.,room, corridor, trailer, etc.). Also, the sterilization unit 300 may beadjustable with respect to its power level. This may be accomplished inways similar to those discussed above with respect to sterilizationchamber 10, e.g., the lights may be interchangeable, only certain lightsmay be turned on while others are off, light bulbs of different wattlevels may be used, etc.

Sterilization unit 300 may be particularly useful in the trailers oflarge trucks (e.g., semi-trailer truck and/or food trucks). For example,in many large food trucks, the trailer portion is filled with meat orother food that may drip on the floor of the trailer. Some of thesetrailers have a floor pattern of parallel ridges and valleys, which cancomplicate other forms of cleaning or sterilization. Indeed, FIG. 11shows an end view of sterilization unit 300 inside of a trailer in whichthe floor includes parallel ridges and valleys. Food drippings or othercontaminants may accumulate on the floor of the trailer. Even when hosedoff, the trailer may still include harmful microorganisms. It isdesirable to sterilize the trailer before a new shipment of food istaken in the trailer to avoid spreading any contamination ormicroorganisms. Sterilization unit 300 may be used to effectivelysterilize the trailer. For example, the sterilization unit 300 may beplaced at the back of the trailer (i.e., furthest from the door, orclosest to the cab of the truck). The cable, line, rope, etc. may beattached to the sterilization unit 300 (e.g., at a loop or hitch on thecentral portion 302), and the cable, line, rope, etc. may be pulled fromoutside the trailer or at the other end of the trailer to move thesterilization unit 300 along the floor of the trailer. As discussedabove, the UV light should be allowed to radiate on each portion of thetrailer floor and/or trailer for at least 3 minutes or longer (e.g., 4,5, or 6 minutes). If side or wing portions 304 are included on thesterilization unit 300, the side or wing portions 304 may bepositioned/set at the desired angle for sterilizing the trailer (seediscussion of angles of the side or wing portions 304 above). In thisway, the trailer floor and/or trailer may be sterilized in one pass fromend to end.

The sterilization unit 300 may be controlled by a user interface,control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc. in the same wayor a similar way as discussed above with respect to the sterilizationchamber 10, sterilization unit 100, and/or sterilization unit 200. Theuser interface, control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc.used with sterilization unit 300 may be the same or similar to the userinterface, control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc. usedwith the sterilization chamber 10, sterilization unit 100, and/orsterilization unit 200 as discussed above.

Various methods of using the sterilization unit 300 are possible. Often,the methods of use will involve one or more of the following steps,including positioning the sterilization unit 300 in a region of a floorto be sterilized (e.g., at one end of a floor of a room to besterilized); attaching a line 330 (e.g., a cable or rope) to thesterilization unit 300; turning on the UV lights to irradiate the targetarea (e.g., an area of the floor) (a control unit or user interface asdescribed herein may be used). Each area treated for sterilization maybe exposed to the UV light for a desired amount of time sufficient tokill or render non-viable any microorganisms on the item/object. Theline 330 may be pulled or reeled in thereby pulling and moving thesterilization unit through the area to be sterilized and exposing thearea to the UV light. If additional features among those discussed aboveare used, the method of use may involve using those features asdiscussed above. For example, if the sterilization unit includes side orwing portions 304, the side or wing portions 304 may be adjusted to adesired angle for sterilization of the target area.

Methods of manufacture may include assembling some or all of the variousfeatures described above with respect to the UV sterilization unit 300.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary under-side, UV sterilization unit 400.Sterilization unit 400 may be used to sterilize various items/objects insitu. Sterilization unit 400 is particularly useful for sterilizing theunderside of large items/objects that are not easily or impossible tomove, e.g., large beds, chairs, tables, cabinets etc. Sterilization unit400 may be constructed with various materials including the materialsused to construct the other sterilization units and chamber describedherein, e.g., steel, aluminum, plastic, etc. The materials may bereflective of UV light. In one embodiment, the material on the same sideof the sterilization unit 400 as the UV light bulbs 424 may be linedwith a corrugated or otherwise patterned reflective material similar tothat discussed above. In one embodiment, as with the other sterilizationunits and chamber described herein, it may be desirable to construct thesterilization unit 400 out of non-magnetic materials for the reasonsdiscussed above with respect to the other sterilization units andchamber.

Sterilization unit 400 may be formed of a frame, light fixtures 422, UVlight bulbs 424, wheels 408, and a handle 418. Sterilization unit 400may include a central portion 402. The central portion 402 may be avariety of shapes, including generally rectangular or square in shape.The central portion 402 may be formed as part of an open frame of thesterilization unit 400, or the central portion 402 may include a panelattached to a central region of the frame. The central portion 402 mayhave wheels 408 attached to a side of the central portion 402 thereof(e.g., four wheels with one at each corner of the central portion 402).The wheels 408 may optionally be attached to legs or extensions (notshown) extending from the central portion 402 to raise the centralportion 302 higher from the floor or ground. In one embodiment, the legsor extensions may be adjustable, so a user may change the distancebetween the wheels 408 and the central portion 402. In one embodiment,the wheels are 2 inches in diameter, but various wheel sizes arepossible.

The top or upward-facing side of the central portion 402 may alsoinclude light fixtures 422 and UV light bulbs 424 attached thereto, sothat the UV light bulbs 424 shine the UV light upward toward theunderside of the item or object being treated. If the central portion402 includes an open frame portion, the light fixtures 422 may beattached at either end to the frame, e.g., similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 12. If central portion 402 includes an panel (e.g., analuminum panel) or other structure closing the frame, then the lightfixtures 422 may be attached to a top surface thereof, e.g., as shown inFIG. 15. In FIG. 11, the light fixture 322 runs from front to back,however, other configurations of the lights are also possible e.g. fromside to side. Light fixtures 422 and UV light bulbs 424 may be the sameas or similar to the light fixtures 22 and UV light bulbs 24 discussedabove with respect to the sterilization chamber 10. The UV light bulbs424 may be between 6 inches and 48 inches long, optionally the UV lightbulbs 324 are between 12 inches and 36 inches long. In one embodimentthe UV light bulbs 324 are 18 inches long. Alternatively, the UV lightbulbs 424 may consist of an array of UV sterilization compactfluorescent lamps (CFL), (similar to an ‘energy saver bulb’). It will beobvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art that a variety ofarrangements of the CFL array (e.g. a grid layout, a diamond layout, ahexagonal or ‘honey comb’ lay out, or other layouts described elsewhereherein) are possible and fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Ultraviolet-transparent protective material similar to that discussedabove with respect to the sterilization chamber 10 may be installed overthe one or more of the UV light bulbs 424. The material of the centralportion 402 may be reflective on the upward facing side as well to helpfocus and/or direct the light. The wheels 408 (or wheels 408 andlegs/extensions) are preferably tall enough to keep the UV light bulbsand light fixtures 2-24 inches above the floor or ground. If thelegs/extensions are height adjustable, a desired height above the groundmay be selected. The wheels may also be able to extend or telescoperelative to each other such that the wheels can be changed betweenconfigurations in which the wheels are closer together andconfigurations in which the wheels are further apart, e.g., the axlebetween two wheels may be able to telescope to extend and/or retract thewheels toward or away from each other.

Optionally, central portion 402 may include an attachment point at whicha handle or pole, etc. may be attached to the central portion 402. Thehandle or pole etc. may be used to maneuver the sterilization unit 400underneath an item/object or other area to be sterilized. Generally,each portion of the underside of the item or object to be sterilizedshould be exposed to the UV light for at least 3 minutes; however, theexposure may also be longer (e.g., 4 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.). At theopposite end of the handle 418 there may be a hand grip 420 to allow aperson to comfortably grasp the handle 418 and position thesterilization unit 400. The sterilization unit 400 may also include ashield or reflective barrier between the UV lights and the end user toblock or limit UV light from reaching the operator. The handle or pole,etc. may be able to adjust or telescope to change the length of thehandle used in different situations.

The sterilization unit 400 may be controlled by a user interface,control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc. in the same wayor a similar way as discussed above with respect to the sterilizationchamber 10, sterilization unit 100, and/or sterilization unit 200. Theuser interface, control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc.414 may be positioned close to or on the hand grip 420. The userinterface, control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc. usedwith sterilization unit 400 may be the same or similar to the userinterface, control unit, computer, dials, switches, buttons, etc. usedwith the sterilization chamber 10, sterilization unit 100, and/orsterilization unit 200 as discussed above.

Various methods of using the sterilization unit 400 are possible. Often,the methods of use will involve one or more of the following steps,including positioning the sterilization unit 400 in a region underneathan item to be sterilized (e.g., underneath a bed); turning on the UVlights to irradiate the target area (e.g., a region underneath an itemto be sterilized) (a control unit or user interface as described hereinmay be used). Each area treated for sterilization may be exposed to theUV light for a desired amount of time sufficient to kill or rendernon-viable any microorganisms on the item/object. The handle 418 may beused to move the sterilization unit 400 to another area to be sterilizedand exposing the area to the UV light.

Methods of manufacture may include assembling some or all of the variousfeatures described above with respect to the UV sterilization unit 400.

The above sterilization chambers, units, systems, assemblies, methods,etc. have generally been described as being applied to sterilization ofparticular types of equipment, furniture, objects/items, rooms,trailers, etc.; however, the principles described may be applied toother types of equipment, furniture, objects/items, rooms, trailers,systems, instruments, etc. Further, features described in one embodimentabove, including embodiments described in the Summary section, maygenerally be combined with features described in other embodimentsherein.

Components of the chamber, units, control units, user interfaces,devices, apparatuses, systems, methods, etc. described herein may beimplemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Wherecomponents of the chamber, units, control units, user interfaces,devices, apparatuses, systems, methods, etc. are implemented insoftware, the software may be stored in an executable format on one ormore non-transitory machine-readable mediums. Further, the software andrelated steps of the methods described above may be implemented insoftware as a set of data and instructions. A machine-readable mediumincludes any mechanism that provides (e.g., stores and/or transports)information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Forexample, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory (ROM);random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storagemedia; flash memory devices; DVD's, electrical, optical, acoustical orother form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals,digital signals, EPROMs, EEPROMs, FLASH, magnetic or optical cards, orany type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.Information representing the units, systems, and/or methods stored onthe machine-readable medium may be used in the process of creating theunits, systems, and/or methods described herein. Hardware used toimplement the invention may include integrated circuits,microprocessors, FPGAs, digital signal controllers, stream processors,and/or other components.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular variationsand illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figuresdescribed. The features described with respect to one embodiment orvariation may be used in other embodiments or variations. In addition,where methods and steps described above indicate certain eventsoccurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and thatsuch modifications are in accordance with the variations of theinvention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performedconcurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performedsequentially as described above. Therefore, to the extent there arevariations of the invention, which are within the spirit of thedisclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it isthe intent that this patent will cover those variations as well.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sterilization chamber, comprising: wallsenclosing a sterilization area, including a door forming one wall of thewalls enclosing the sterilization area, the door configured to open andclose; one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attached to one or more ofthe walls inside the sterilization area, wherein the one or moreultraviolet light bulbs are capable of irradiating germicidalultraviolet light at sufficient levels to kill or render non-viablemicroorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light; a corrugated reflectivematerial that lines an inside surface of the walls; and a control unitincluding controls to operate the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs.2. The sterilization chamber according to claim 1, wherein a side of thedoor facing the interior of the sterilization chamber when the door isclosed includes one of the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs attachedthereto.
 3. The sterilization chamber according to claim 1, wherein theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs are attached to the one or more ofthe walls through light fixtures mounted directly to the one or more ofthe walls.
 4. The sterilization chamber according to claim 1, whereinone of the walls includes a window capable of blocking at least 95% ofthe ultraviolet light from the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs whileallowing a user to view the sterilization area during use.
 5. Thesterilization chamber according to claim 4, wherein the window includesa door or shutter that can close over the window.
 6. The sterilizationchamber according to claim 1, wherein the lining of corrugatedreflective material is configured to reflect the ultraviolet light inthe chamber in many different directions to help spread the ultravioletlight on every surface of an object being sterilized in thesterilization area.
 7. The sterilization chamber according to claim 1,wherein the walls are constructed of an outer wall layer that forms anoutside surface of the sterilization chamber, and an inner wall layerincluding an opening through which the one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs extend.
 8. The sterilization chamber according to claim 7, whereinthe inner wall layer is positioned such that the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs extend further into the sterilization area than the innerwall layer, but any cords and a majority of any light fixture arebetween the inner wall layer and the outer wall layer.
 9. Thesterilization chamber according to claim 8, wherein the corrugatedreflective material is integral with the inner wall layer.
 10. Thesterilization chamber according to claim 1, wherein anultraviolet-transparent protective material is installed over the one ormore ultraviolet light bulbs, the protective material configured toprevent damage to the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs.
 11. Thesterilization chamber according to claim 10, wherein theultraviolet-transparent protective material is placed as an inner walllayer and entirely covers one or more of the walls inside thesterilization area.
 12. The sterilization chamber according to claim 10,wherein the ultraviolet-transparent protective material is placed as acasing sized to fit around only one of the one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs.
 13. The sterilization chamber according to claim 1, wherein anultraviolet-transparent protective material is installed over one ormore ultraviolet light bulbs installed on a floor of the sterilizationchamber, the protective material extending over an entire surface of thefloor and configured to prevent damage to the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs installed on the floor and configured to support objectsplaced in the sterilization area for sterilization.
 14. Thesterilization chamber according to claim 1, wherein the one or moreultraviolet light bulbs are adjustable in the sterilization chamber,such that a user may adjust a position of the one or more ultravioletlight bulbs into a desired position.
 15. The sterilization chamberaccording to claim 1, wherein a power level of the ultraviolet lightradiating from the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs into thesterilization area is adjustable.
 16. The sterilization chamberaccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a processor,memory, and software, wherein the software allows a user to adjust apower level of ultraviolet light in the sterilization area and adjust atime for sterilization.
 17. The sterilization chamber according to claim1, wherein the door can open wide enough to allow a hospital gurney toenter the sterilization area.
 18. The sterilization chamber according toclaim 1, wherein the door has a width and a height that are the same asa width and height of the sterilization chamber.
 19. The sterilizationchamber according to claim 1, wherein a floor of the sterilizationchamber has a smooth, reflective surface facing the sterilization area.20. A method of sterilization comprising: placing one or more items tobe sterilized inside an interior of a sterilization chamber, thesterilization chamber comprising walls enclosing a sterilization area,including a door forming one wall of the walls enclosing thesterilization area, the door configured to open and close; one or moreultraviolet light bulbs attached to one or more of the walls inside thesterilization area, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs arecapable of irradiating germicidal ultraviolet light at sufficient levelsto kill or render non-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultravioletlight; and a corrugated reflective material that lines an inside surfaceof the walls; and sterilizing the one or more items by turning on theone or more ultraviolet light bulbs inside the sterilization chamber andleaving them on for an amount of time sufficient to kill or rendernon-viable 100% or nearly 100% of the microorganisms on the one or moreitems, wherein ultraviolet light from the one or more ultraviolet lightbulbs is reflected in many different directions by the corrugatedreflective material such that non-uniform surfaces of the one or moreitems are exposed to the ultraviolet light.
 21. The method according toclaim 20, wherein a position of the ultraviolet light bulbs in thesterilization chamber is adjustable, the method further comprisingmoving the ultraviolet light bulbs in the sterilization chamber to adesired location for sterilization.
 22. A sterilization apparatus,comprising: a base; a central tower portion attached to the base,wherein the central tower portion has multiple sides of equal size,wherein each of the multiple sides is constructed of a reflectivematerial; multiple ultraviolet light bulbs, each of the multipleultraviolet light bulbs attached to a different side of the multiplesides, wherein the multiple ultraviolet light bulbs are capable ofirradiating germicidal ultraviolet light at sufficient levels to kill orrender non-viable microorganisms exposed to the ultraviolet light; and acontrol unit to operate the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs.
 23. Thesterilization apparatus according to claim 22, wherein each of the base,the central tower portion, and the multiple ultraviolet light bulbs isconstructed only of materials that are non-magnetic.
 24. Thesterilization apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the central towerportion includes a hinge along a first side and a latching mechanism onan opposite, second side, such that the central tower portion may beopened to service an interior of the central tower portion.
 25. A methodof sterilization comprising: moving a sterilization device into a roomto be sterilized, the sterilization device comprising: a base; a centraltower portion attached to the base, wherein the central tower portionhas multiple sides of equal size, wherein each of the multiple sides isconstructed of a reflective material; multiple ultraviolet light bulbs,each of the multiple ultraviolet light bulbs attached to a differentside of the multiple sides, wherein the multiple ultraviolet light bulbsare capable of irradiating germicidal ultraviolet light at sufficientlevels to kill or render non-viable microorganisms exposed to theultraviolet light; and sterilizing the room to be sterilized by turningon the one or more ultraviolet light bulbs and letting ultraviolet lightradiate throughout the room to be sterilized.
 26. The method accordingto claim 25, wherein the sterilizing step is done for an amount of timesufficient to kill or render non-viable any microorganisms on the one ormore objects within the room.